Weekly Letter from the Pastor

Our Advent Season brought us some good opportunities to prepare ourselves for the coming Christmas celebrations. We are grateful for the dedication and hard work of our broader ministerial team: Faith Formation Office with Nancy Arkin, director, and her associates Diana Saverino, Timothy Hoye, and Ciro Saverino; Lori McCahill and Deacon Anthony Cullen coordinated the school spiritual and religious education programs in the school along with Nicholas Cammarano, principal; and Megan Gallagher, vice-principal. Our parish office takes on many additional responsibilities during this season: Lorrie McGee, Margaret Roddy, Eileen Cannarozzo; Patti Dickens coordinates our stewardship activities will also managing the RAINE Foundation; Gina Ciancio has smoothly transitioned to her role as our media and marketing specialist; Rich Romero (facilities manager) and the maintenance team headed by Tom McGowan work tirelessly this time of year to make sure that everything is in place and well maintained for all of the activities we sponsor; Tom O’Brien has the choir ever-ready for all of the Masses, and they are prepared for their Christmas concert at 11:30pm on Christmas Eve; Ellen Remick does a great job with the children’s choir and with the various Christmas Concerts for the school students. It takes a lot of moving parts to make the celebrations run as smoothly as they do here, and we are grateful for the service, hard work and dedication of all of the above.

Thank you also to Lang Holtz and the Simbang Gabi committee for a great celebration here last Thursday. We are always happy to host this prayerful celebration for the Filipino community and their friends. The Christmas Celebrations begin on Wednesday evening with the Children’s Christmas Pageant in the Gym at 3:30 pm followed immediately by the Children’s Mass in the same place. The remaining Christmas Masses are at 4; 6; 8; and Midnight (Christmas Concert at 11:30); and on Christmas Day at 9 and 11 am. 

Hopefully everyone is ready for the celebrations and feasts. Travel safe.
Blessings,
Father Garry